GURKHA recruits marked the end of their training in North Yorkshire with a passing-out parade.
Graduating as Riflemen from the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick Garrison, the Recruits of Gurkha Company took part in a pride-filled ceremony on the parade square at Helles Barracks.
These Nepalese soldiers have been an integral part of the British Army for more than 200 years and 26 Victoria Crosses have been won by Gurkha regiments so far. Among them, Nepalese Gurkhas alone have won 13 VCs and many other bravery awards.
Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, attended as the reviewing officer of the pass off parade, giving his support to the recruits of Gurkha Company upon their appointment as fully-fledged soldiers of the British Army.
The parade marked the end of the recruits' nine-month training programme. They will now each join their chosen regiment in the British Army.
This year saw the highest intake of Gurkha recruits to the Catterick Garrison-based ITC, which moulds prospective soldiers into future frontline infantry.
A spokesman for the Army said it was "a proud day for the recruits, instructors, Gurkha Company, Infantry Training Centre and The British Army".
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